One Hundred years is quite a milestone for anything to reach. One that the finest motorcycle company on the planet has deservedly attained.
To think that it all humbly started with a couple fellows' dream of creating a motorized bicycle. It was a shaky start when young William Harley and Arthur Davidson first began. Early models still used manpower to make it up hills. But that never stopped this determined duo from testing, tweaking, changing and finally succeeding to create a motorcycle that still is popular today.
The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was created in 1903 with a single cylinder, three horsepower motor. In 1906, Harley Davidson manufactured the first 50 motorcyles bearing their name. The V-twins that would make the young company a household name came out about 1909. 1912 brought out the "Free Wheel Control" which was one of the industries first clutch system.
Today's distinct rumble is one of the few sounds, other than copywritten and contract material, that has been the subject of litigation. Listening to the strength of a Harley Davidson engine is one of those things that sends shivers up the spines of the true believers.
The "Choppers", we love so, were born when the angle of the motorcycle's front fork was further extended letting the handlebars to sit further back. "Hogs" were named for the extra room used to transport racing pigs without switching to a larger vehicle.
No other motorcycles or choppers have inspired the fan following that can produce the massive bike events of Daytona, Sturgis, Myrtle Beach or Laconia. Not to mention the hundreds of smaller sponsored rides and events. Literally hundreds of thousands of motorcycle riders and fans surge to these communities annually for week long events. Sponsors and vendors will set up shop in mall parking lots and event centers to show off their wares. From T-shirts to custom bikes, choppers and trikes line the streets, making the areas a photographers' heaven! Feel free to take a look at the bikes of Myrtle Beach, at CustomChopperGarage.Com
In 1983, H.O.G., The Harley Owners Group, formed its first chapter. Today more than 1,000 chapters are in existence and more than one million members share their love of these bikes, whether owners or fans. The devotion to these classic bikes is proven, and you do not have to be among the elite to enjoy all there is to Harley Davidson
